Crazy Mountain Ranch (The Marlboro Ranch) in Montana

Updated on August 16, 2016

Crazy Mountain Ranch, Montana | Source

Congratulations You're Going to the Marlboro Ranch!

Every year hundreds of people either win a trip to or get invited to the Marlboro Ranch in Montana to "Chill Off the Grid." The ranch is nestled near the Crazy Mountains in Clyde Park, Montana. This is a trip that you can't just go out and buy.

For those of us who have been, we all want to go back. It's a trip that can't be described fully, but I will give you some good information. It's kind of a secret place run like a well-oiled machine. It's a real live working ranch. I'm only going to give you a brief but informational outline of our trip. I promise not to tell too much because I don't want to spoil the surprise.

The Wait

The days before the trip will be filled with lots of anticipation and excitement. During your wait you will receive wheeled duffel bags and caps for you and your guest. The hats are so you will be able to identify other people headed to the ranch at the airports, etc. Pack very lightly: you will need to leave room in your bags for surprises. You will receive a list of what you should bring and what they will provide. You will not need to buy anything while you're there! Do not panic if you don't get your airline tickets and itinerary until a week or two before your trip. They will come. There is no need to make yourself crazy during your wait.

You will be bused from the airport in Bozeman to the ranch. On your bus ride, you will be told some of the history and see some great sights along the way. If you've ever been in the military like I have, you've experienced this—a large group of people jumping off a bus not knowing what's going to happen, but you know it's going to be very interesting. That's the experience you'll have at Crazy Mountain Ranch!

Surprise Luggage and Caps | Source

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Landing in Montana | Source

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The Staff

Best staff ever! These people were put on this earth to spoil you rotten. They are some of the nicest people I've ever met and I've met a lot of people. They remember your name and are very interested in who you are as a person. They go above and beyond to make each person feel special. You will never have to worry about where you are or what you'll be doing. There is always a friendly staff member nearby that will help you if you ever need it. All the staff members know the history of the ranch backwards and forwards. Absolutely the best customer service experience ever. The staff should go around the world training people.

You don't have to worry about personal safety, except for obeying all the safety rules when doing activities. The staff is very knowledgeable and very well trained. Trust me they will make you feel safe at all times. Nobody's going to get out of hand on the ranch anyway because there are real live cowboys there!

The Food and Drinks

You will never be hungry on this trip! There are meals between meals. During these meals, you'll meet some great people and make some friends for life. You will be served an amazing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I'm talking fine dining. My pictures tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. There are plenty of social events with all kinds of appetizers. At the Stage Coach, there are snacks, drinks, and coffee 24/7. The food was delicious. I kid you not, I gained five pounds! Even when we were at the airports coming and going we were fed. Besides trying all the food, make sure at night, you try a cow punch, blue sky, and moose drool!

Crazy Mountain Ranch Has Fabulous Food!

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Fun in the Snow!

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The Activities

I would get up by 6:00 am every morning because I was super excited to start the day. You can do as much or as little as you want to on this trip. I wanted to do everything there was time for. There are different activities in the winter than there are in the summer. We went during the winter and our days and nights were filled with excitement. I won't talk about all the activities and there is no way you will have time to do them all. You can choose what activities you want to participate in. They even have dance lessons at the saloon.

There are wagon rides, archery lessons, and a snowshoe adventure. You will also get a nice surprise at the General Store. Make sure to ask for candy bags to take home. We did things we had never done before: snowmobiling, zip-lining, ice fishing, dog sledding, and tubing at night. All of the activities are fun and exciting. The zip-line adventure was my favorite thing! I went through all nine zips and wanted more! When we went snowmobiling we were out for about three hours. There was so much snow going up the mountain that some of the guys got stuck in the snow. Many of our activities were done while the snow was still falling. At one point it snowed so hard we had to hurry back down the mountain. We missed out seeing the cabin in the mountains, but others told us about it. Make sure if you ever get to go that you get to see it. They say that cabin is out of this world. If you love snow you will really love visiting Crazy Mountain Ranch in the winter.

The Night Life

After dinner each night there will be some type of entertainment. Karaoke, dancing, and live bands are just some of the entertainment. One night there was a Fire and Ice party at the Pavilion with live music that I loved. Friendships are formed at the ranch almost as soon as you hop off the bus. You'll meet people from all over the country with at least one common interest and that's to have a good time. We met friends for life there. Even the bartender was great. You'll laugh, you'll dance, and you'll enjoy every night while on your trip.

The Night Life

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The Gifts

Really, you think I'm going to tell you. Not! Not knowing is one of the best surprises. They will send you a packet requesting size information for some of the goodies you get to keep. Plus it's no secret that you will get a cowboy hat. You will also get cowboy boots if you go in the summer and snow boots if you go in the winter. There will be gifts so leave room in your duffel bag when packing.

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The Departure

Getting your things together to go home did bring a sad feeling. You truly want to stay. They try to make leaving a happy occasion, but it's not. This was another trip of a lifetime.I was invited as a guest so I feel like I won this one. Just goes to show that entering sweepstakes does pay off. Our amazing trip to Crazy Mountain Ranch was in the winter of 2014. What a beautiful winter wonderland it was that February. For those of you who are waiting to go just relax because it will be much more than you can even imagine. Your time will be jam packed full of fun and excitement. The views are breathtaking and the people are wonderful. Take in all you can. Get to know as many people as you can. You never know you may win again or be invited back. I sure am hoping to get there again!

Have you ever been to the Ranch?

Loved the Ranch and everything it has to offer. I would really love to go back again for another summer trip. Montana is a beautiful place. Pick my wife and I again Marlboro

Gary Kittredge 4 weeks ago

I WOULD LOVE A VACATION AT THE RANCH

Nancy Vega 5 weeks ago

This trip would be a dream come true.

motivationsblog 7 weeks ago from North Carolina Author

I hope you win one or get invited Sonya! :)

Sonya askins 7 weeks ago

My sister and niece went a few years back and I would love to go.. I'm having a lot of stress in my life and I sure could use a trip.

motivationsblog 8 weeks ago from North Carolina Author

Wow, now that's good luck! I'm still waiting for my summer trip. I will gladly go again! :)

Aaron Wessel 8 weeks ago

I have been three times and would love to go again. Two summer trips and one winter trip. A guest the first two times and an actual winner the third time. Each time is just as amazing as the first!!!! I think I have one more year to go until I'm eligible again. I sure hope I'm as lucky as I have been in the past. Everything, especially the entire staff, is amazing and top notch at Crazy Mountain Ranch!!!!

Debra L.Johnson 2 months ago

I would absolutely LOVE to win a trip to the Marlboro Ranch!!!! I have worked hard and I think I deserve something so Amazing like this!!! I haven't had any vacations in years!!!! Please Marlboro!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!

Paul R Metzinger 2 months ago

I would like to win a trip to your ranch, sounds so amazing

Linda Burke paulharrislinda@gmail.com 2 months ago

This would be a trip of a life. Never been in the mountains . Would be a dream come true

Ashley 3 months ago

@Tonia @Dana I won the 6-9, too!!! I'm so excited! Can't wait to see you there :)

Dana 3 months ago

@Tonya we're going Sept 6th also!

Sherry Aude 3 months ago

Winning a trip here in the spring or Autumn would be a dream come true. In 2005 I was in an accident, someone ran into me as I sat at a red light. I'm not able to live a full physical life, I walk with a walker or walking stick. However, I live a full life in my mind, heart and soul. Just don't work any longer, so I can no longer afford vacations. My cigs are the one thing I refuse to give up. Been smoking Marlboros over 40 years.

Vickie call 3 months ago

Have been trying for 20 years to win trip

motivationsblog 4 months ago from North Carolina Author

:) Congrats, have fun!

Tonia 4 months ago

I originally was a standby winner. Now I am a winner. Going September 6,2016. So excited

motivationsblog 5 months ago from North Carolina Author

Thank you Kimi and I hope you had a blast! :)

Kimi 5 months ago

My brother won and is taking me as his guest! We leave tmrw morning! We are both soooo excited!! My sister and brother-in-law went 6 years ago, my cousin went this past February, and my friend/farrier(that's a horse hoof trimmer) went a few years back! So I know a lot of what to expect and am soooo excited!! I can't wait to do the cattle drive! I have horses and have always wanted to do a cattle drive, so I'm super pumped! Plus just the trail riding is going to be AMAZING!!! Can't wait for everything!! Thanks so much for this informative info, I enjoyed reading it!

motivationsblog 5 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congrats Anthony!

Anthony 5 months ago

I won the trip and going on June 29th I'm so excited!

motivationsblog 6 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations Kellie, expect the unexpected, Lol. You will have a Great Time!

Kellie Hathaway 6 months ago

I just won a trip for the ranch. I don't know what to expect but I sure am excited about this.

motivationsblog 7 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations Antoinette! You will have a great time. As for the camera, we did not receive one when we went. They change up the gifts so no one knows what to expect.

Antoinette 7 months ago

I won a trip and me and the hubby are going on June 29!!! I can't wait, but i do have a quick question. I seen in some of the other photos of ppl that have been that Marlboro gives you a camera in you gift bag when you get to the ranch, is that True??? I was thinking about buying a new amazing camera for the trip, but didn't know if i needed to!!

motivationsblog 8 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations Kaite! Do not stress! They will work with you in all ways possible. Once you are a verified winner, which means background checks and everything come back good you will receive a letter. Our letter had trip date and a timeline for everything even when to expect tickets to arrive. If the dates aren't good for you and your friend call to see if you can go with the next group. There's also a deadline for switching out a guest so yes that can be done. Just relax and be prepared for an amazing time when you get there!

Kaite 8 months ago

I just won this trip a week or so ago. My friend and I submitted the paperwork online. I'm just wondering how long it takes to get your dates? My friends job needs to know super in advance and I'm so worried it won't work. If it turns out she can't go does anyone know if you can switch out your guest? Been stressing so hard about this and it's only been a week since I won!

motivationsblog 9 months ago from North Carolina Author

I'm hoping you win a trip soon Mary!

Mary TN 9 months ago

I have always loved the cowboy way of life. I have been to many places not far from ranch but would love and need so much a trip like this. It has been many years since traveled

motivationsblog 10 months ago from North Carolina Author

Hi Shanna you will have to read the rules on their site to find out which states are eligible to enter and win.

Shanna 10 months ago

Is it true, that ppl living in Michigan don't have a chance to win a trip to the ranch??

motivationsblog 10 months ago from North Carolina Author

Thank you for posting! I love reliving my experience thru others, Lol. It was truly a trip of a lifetime!

Rrddbb 10 months ago

All I can say is WOW!!! We got back home yesterday 1/31 and we had an indescribable visit. The weather was awesome, the staff was stupendous, the food was incredible. We did a lot of the things they offered and once again, the food was incredible. I'm not a King but I was sure treated like I was. I'll die a much happier man. TY Phillip Morris and TY Marlboro.

motivationsblog 10 months ago from North Carolina Author

Have a Great Time! :)

Rrddbb 10 months ago

My wife & I are leaving tomorrow morning for the Marlboro Ranch.

I believe will we have a great time there. We're very excited.

TY Phillip Morris for the trip.

motivationsblog 11 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations Christy! You will have the time of your life! I wouldn't believe that rumor at all. I really don't even see how that could happen there. If I'm wrong someone will speak up, hopefully. Just enjoy your trip and please feel free to come back and let us know how it went. :)

Christy 11 months ago

I won the trip and taking my boyfriend this month. We are stoked!! We heard some people got stuck there last winter and we're snowed in for a month!! Anyone else hear this?

motivationsblog 11 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations Ron!

Ron 11 months ago

Me and my girlfriend will be going in March 2016 cannot wait it is going to be so awesome. We r gonna really have a ball and enjoy every minute of it. Woohoo!!!

motivationsblog 12 months ago from North Carolina Author

We didn't use any snowboards when we went and I don't even remember seeing any. All we did was tube down a mountain which was so much fun at night. Plus we had a ball riding the the snowmobiles! We stayed out riding a good three hours are more. Going up the mountain people kept getting stuck and it snowed so hard we had to turn around. So the group I was in didn't get to see the cabin in the mountains, make sure you get to see it. Have a great time!

BrandonBlack 12 months ago

I'm going January 22nd. I'm very excited. I am curious about what brand of snowboards they have. I'm kind of a snowboard snob. I asked if I could bring my own and they said it's highly recommended that I don't. I am also curious to see if they have any double black diamond slopes or allow back country riding. Ideally, it would be nice if they would allow me to use a snowmobile or even snow shoes to get out to the extreme stuff to ride. I have only seen videos of people going down what I would consider to be a bunny hill. Nonetheless, still excited. If the snowboarding is par at best, that's fine, because I live in the Rocky Mountains :)

motivationsblog 13 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations! You will have a great time and will see lots of snow.

Rachettarm 13 months ago

I won and going February 2016!!!!

motivationsblog 14 months ago from North Carolina Author

Hi Darlene, If you go to the Marlboro website and click on action & adventure and then Marlboro Ranch on the left you should see an email sign up that will let you know about future trips and promotions.

Darlene Jensen 14 months ago

How would I enter the sweepstakes that would be just for the Marlboro Montana Ranch trip?

motivationsblog 14 months ago from North Carolina Author

Hi Linda, Congratulations to you. You two are going to have a great time. The pictures will tell the story, but you ladies are going to be talking his head off when you get back, lol. Have lots of fun!

linda 14 months ago

I won a trip to the ranch just a few days ago I am bringing one of my daughter. My husband would love to go with me but he is extreamly sensitive to the cold do to medication he has to take. I won one of the winter trips so my husband said he didn't want to be outdoors take one of the kids,and have a blast . I will and boy will I take pictures of everything so he can see what we got to experience. Wow am I excited its like waking up on christmas morn excitement.

motivationsblog 14 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations Steve you and your buddy are going to have a blast! Yes the bags will be sent to your home before the trip. That will be the first of the many gifts you will receive, so pack lightly. Have a great time. :)

Steve 14 months ago

I actually won and filled out the stuff today. Will be going in the winter with a buddy of mine and cant wait. In your post you said something about a duffel bag? They give you one before the trip or no? I cant wait to do all the activities possible and just have a blast

motivationsblog 14 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations Stephanie! Don't you dare pick up a cigarette. I don't smoke and was surprised at how many people who were there that don't smoke. It's not a qualification when you win at the bars so there were lots of non-smokers and people who recently quit. You will not be alone and congratulations on quitting! You guys will have the best time ever. Hope to hear from you when you return. :)

stephanie k 14 months ago

Thanks so much for the review. I just filled out my packed last night. I can't believe people really win! I get to go in winter as well so your write up is very informative! I am shaking with excitement. My husband and I are so lucky. I did quit smoking, but I might have to pick it up for the trip. I look forward to meeting all the other winner and the fantastic staff you speak of.

motivationsblog 15 months ago from North Carolina Author

Hi Kathie you can best believe he is having the time of his life on the ranch! Hopefully he'll bring you something nice back. :)

Kathie 15 months ago

My son and his girlfriend are there right now!!!

motivationsblog 15 months ago from North Carolina Author

I hope you win Terrie. The current sweepstakes ends 09/21. 154 trips

Terrie L. Dugger 15 months ago

I really want to take this trip. I have always paid thoudands of dollars out for friends a family to take vacations. Every year. Well Im not able to work anymore. No one wants to pick up where I left off. They vacation but I stay home. I need to win this trip. I need a vacation.

motivationsblog 15 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations CleverK, You and your sister are going to have a ball! To answer your question., we didn't get cameras. I love my pictures and they were all taken on a Blackberry and Samsung Galaxy! Stay excited, don't sweat the small stuff, let your hair down and I promise you will have the time of your lives! :) And please don't forget to post when you get back.

CleverK 15 months ago

Well I might as well throw our comments in - my sister won the trip and we will be there next week, September 8-11.

Not trying to spoil the surprise too much, we've read a few blogs about the ranch in the months we waited for the trip to come around, and I was trying to figure out if cameras were in the swag still. Sis' friend offered to loan us his nice camera, as the only ones we have are our phones. But previous years they've provided cameras so she didn't want to risk traveling with his pricey equipment if we'd be getting something there.

We're both very excited. We're not really ranch people, but that's part of the fun - it's not just a free trip but a trip doing something we'd never plan to do on our own. Plus it being Labor Day weekend, my sister is off Monday (I work from home so holidays don't apply the same way) and will end up with 9 days off in a row. It's been a rough year for both of us, with health and financial issues, so we really could do with a little pampering. :)

aleta whitton 15 months ago

I have never been out of Texas. I would love to come visit y'all one day.

motivationsblog 15 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations Will! Now the excitement begins. :)

Will 15 months ago

Just won also!

motivationsblog 16 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations Jess! Have lots of fun in those mountains :)

Jess 16 months ago

i just won this trip over the weekend! I'll be going in the winter!!

claudia 16 months ago

hi Martha looks like we will be going on the same days cant wait :)

motivationsblog 16 months ago from North Carolina Author

Hi, Martha you and your best friend will be talking about this trip for the rest of your lives! My advice to you is DO Everything you have time for. It will be a blast!

Martha Makerney 16 months ago

My best friend won a trip to Marlboro Ranch as well!! We will be going August 28th-31st!! We are super excited!!

motivationsblog 16 months ago from North Carolina Author

Congratulations Toni! Prepare to be amazed and have a good time. Don't overpack. :)

Toni Faison 16 months ago

I just won a trip to the ranch! My husband snd I will be there Sept. 15-18, 2015. I am so excited!!!

motivationsblog 16 months ago from North Carolina Author

Dawn I hope you win too! Check the website see if there is a Nights Out location in your area. While we were there we met many people who were just at the right place at the right time.

Dawn thiele 16 months ago

I would love to see the ranch hope i win the trip so i can injoy the fun and meet new people and see the mountains